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Cressler, Alan

Boerhavia linearifolia

Boerhavia linearifolia A. Gray

Narrowleaf Spiderling

Nyctaginaceae (Four O'clock Family)

Synonym(s): Boerhavia lindheimeri, Boerhavia tenuifolia

USDA Symbol: BOLI2

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

The many slender branches of the narrowleaf spiderling suggest its name. The pale green stem grows 15-24+ inches tall, with thick leaves 1 1/4-2 1/2 inches long at the joints. The stem is brittle at the joints. There are 1 or more spots between the joints, maroon-colored and very sticky. Eight to 12 blossoms grow at the end of short flower stems, about 1/4 inch apart, mostly on 1 side of the stem. They bloom from the bottom up, 3 or 4 at a time, and are purplish-pink, about 1/4 inch across. Flowers have a 5-lobed perianth formed into a shallow tube; it opens out flat and is scalloped on the outer edge; 5 bracts are found at the base of the perianth. As the flower matures, the perianth lobes turn backward, leaving the stamens protruding prominently beyond the lobes. It is a delicate, dainty flower, widely spread over spare limbs, giving it something of an oriental touch.

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